A Certain Age
You’ve reached a certain age when life has set you free
You can cock a hoop at protocol; do things that aren't PC
You can swim in just your underpants; be a gentleman or lout
Speak your mind without a care; wear your sweater inside out
You can stay up 'til the early hours with a glass of wine or two
Wear red pyjamas in the street or shoes of green or blue
You can dip your biscuits in your tea or don a fancy hat
You can eat your crisps when in your bed; be happy thin or fat
You can paint the town bright red, or sleep until midday
Wear a tie that's bright and gaudy and not care what people say
So shout at the moon and dye your hair; take up 3 seats on a plane
Talk to people very loud and dance naked in the rain
Be irascible, grumpy or grouchy and simply not care a jot
Be far too busy having fun whether people like it or not
For years you've always done what's right - faced life with good intention
Now it's time to just let go and discard all convention
Just try to think outside the box - give life a damn good beating
For time is very precious, every moment merely fleetingg
Display a smile or wear a frown, embrace those dirty looks
Turn this world upside down; don't do things by the book
Go and get a fine tattoo or indeed a gold nose ring
Maybe pierce an eyebrow - just do things on a whim
Mumble and wheeze without a care and always buck a trend
Answer back and disagree, burn the candle at both ends
Tho' your hair is getting greyer and receding - well it's true
Your eyes still have that sparkle; your zest for life brand new
You're chronologically gifted; you've got a cataract or two
Your spectacles are stronger but there's still no stopping you
For age is just a number - it evades no beast or man
Say not "I cannot do this", but "yes, of course I can!"
Go put on your glad rags, paint on a wicked smile
Face each day with vigour; let down your hair awhile
Your skin is getting saggy but it's a joy to run forth wild
To wear those clothes so baggy and release that inner child
Your neck is like a road map with wrinkles, crags and creeks
Your teeth are getting fewer and you get those little leaks
Just forget about such trivial things that make you squirm and dither
Wink your eye and stamp your feet - don't let your senses wither
You're about to embark on a special year, so give it all you've got
Spread your wings, raise the roof - live, love and laugh a lot
Copyright © Susan Harlow | Year Posted 2023
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